COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 275, 2 September 1936, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES

(From Our Own Correspondents.) METHVEN. WEATHER DURING AUGUST. The following are the meteorological l observations for August recorded by Mr J. Carr, “Rudstone,” Methven. Rain fell on 12 days, the maximum being 89 points on August 29. The total fall for the month was 2.59 in., compared witih .67 points in August, 1935. The total for the year to date is 35.96 inches, compared with 20.62 in. for the same period of last year. The average for the past 28 years for August is 2.57 inches. The wettest August was in 1925, w’hen 7.43 inches fell and the driest ivas in 1922 when 39 points was recorded. The highest value of the barometer was 30.24 inches on the 3rd and the lowest 29.42 on the 27th. The highest reading of the maximum thermometer was 64 on the 21st and 22nd,, the lowest minimum 25 on the Ist and 2nd. The lowest reading on the grass was 14 on the 2nd and Bth. The range for the month was 13.2 and the mean temperature was 46.6. Frosts were recorded on eight occasions during the month. To date the rainfall for the year exceeds that of last year by 15.34 inches. \ MARONAN. THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE. An enjoyable evening’s entertainment was given in the schoolroom on Friday night by the members of the Drama Circle of the Women’s Institute. Mrs Hamber (convener) apologised for the absence of Mrs Davis (the president), who was attending a meeting of the South Canterbury Federation. There was a large attendance, including many .visitors from neighbouring districts. Mrs H. J. Constable (president of the Hampstead Institute and secretary of the MidCanterbury Federation) led community singing. Mrs Green played the accompaniments. The Maronan School children received, Mrs Constable’s special commendation. The comedy, “Snowed up with the Duchess,” was given, the parts being taken by Mrs J. Addis, Mr Graham Scales, and McAlister, Eva and Bertha Galletly. Mrs W. J. Minogue (president of the Ashburton Institute) complimented the players and expressed the hope that they would be encouraged to produce their plays and take part in the drama trials next year. After supper, dancing was enjoyed to, music by Mrs J. Addis and Messrs A. Chalmers and J. Whiting, Mrs Green playing the extras. MAYFIELD. THE FARMERS’ UNION. A meeting of the Mayfield branch of the Farmers’ Union w r as held in the Agricultural and Pastoral rooms, Mr W. Turner presiding. It was decided to; make inquiries from the Ashburton Electric Power Board, and the Mayfield postmaster about the responsibility of replacing poles, carrying both electric light and telephone ivires into residences. In answer to a letter sent by the secretary, Mr T. D. Burnett, M.P., wrote saying that the Postmaster-Gen-eral had assured him that tenders would, be called soon for the new post, office at Mayfield. Rainfall! Last Month. A total of 2.11 in. of rain was registered in Mayfield, last month, the heaviest falls being on August 7, when 51 points and August 28 with 53 points. ANAMA. RAINFALL IN AUGUST. The rainfall recorded at “Laggan,” Anama, during August, was 194 points, as against 78 in the same month last year. The total for the year to date is 2785 points, while over the same period last year the fall was 1998 points, almost eight inches more for the present year than last year. There was -a good deal of north-west wind during August. At first it was biting cold, passing over the snow-clad mountains. iLater, as the snow disappeared, the winds were warmer, and an abnormal growth set in. Turnips ran up to seed fully a month earlier than usual for this district, and the old pastures showed quite a spring growth. More snow has reappeared on the high ranges and it is expected that more frosts will be experienced. A few lambs have appeared, in the district, but lambing will not be in full swing till the middle and toward the end of this month. The cows are starting to come in and the cream lorry will shortly make two trips each week. Lorries have also been round the district collecting the calves for the bobby calf industry. Shortly they will do good business •when the cows come in to profit m larger numbers. Teacher Transferred. Miss M. O; Farrell, who has been sole charge teacher at Anama, for nearly seven years, has been appointed head teacher at Glenheim (Southland). She was entertained by the scholars prior to leaving, preferring no public farewell. Miss Farrell endeavoured to meet most of the parents at their own homes, and while regret is freely expressed at losing the services of so able a teacher, the district congratulates her on her well-earned promotion. The Women’s Division. The monthly meeting of the Anama branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held at the home of the president (Mrs W. J. Robert-

son). There was a good attendance. One new member was enrolled. An invitation to the Westerfield branch’s annual birthday party on September 2 was accepted. Misses V. Mclver and Z. Robertson were appointed to attend the Girls’ Educational Course at Christchurch. The president read a report on the recent Dominion conference. Mrs R. B. McMillan, of Mount Somers, gave a talk on the life of Mozart, and played some of the famous composer’s works, which were very much enjoyed by all present. Mrs McMillan was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks. The competitions resulted,: —Parsnip, Miss Z. Robertson 1, Mrs G. Candy 2, Miss G. Ivey 3; bloom, Mrs G. Candy 1, Mrs R. Hewson 2, Mrs W. J. Robertson 3; sponge cake, Mrs G. Candy 1, Mrs S. Clark 2, Mrs W. J. Robertson 3; covered coat hanger, Miss L. Robertson 1, Mrs N. Corbett 2, Mrs J. Rose 3.

The hostesses were Mrs J. Mclver and Miss L. Robertson.